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Texas Bow Hunting: Public WMAs & Trophy Bucks

Whitetail DeerMule DeerAxis DeerFeral HogExotic Big Game
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By [AUTHOR NAME]

Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)

📅 2026 Season & License Info

Archery Season Open

September 28

Archery Season Close

November 1

Min Draw Weight

None specified

Resident License

$25/yr

Non-Resident License

$315/yr

Top Species

Whitetail Deer, Mule Deer, Axis Deer, Feral Hog, Exotic Big Game

📍 Top Public Hunting Spots

Davy Crockett National Forest

161,500 acres

Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Hog

East Texas piney woods. Texas's best public land deer hunting. River bottom hardwoods.

Sabine National Forest

160,000 acres

Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Hog

Northeast Texas. Toledo Bend reservoir adjacent. River bottom hunting corridor.

Lower Colorado River Authority WMAs

Various acres

Whitetail Deer, Hog, Turkey

Multiple WMAs across central TX. Permits required — apply through TPWD.

⚖️ Texas Archery Regulations

  • •No minimum draw weight specified in state law
  • •Most Texas hunting is private — leases typically $1,000–$5,000/year
  • •Public land hunting via TPWD WMA system requires advance permits
  • •Feral hog and exotic game have very liberal regulations

💡 Expert Tips for Texas

  • →Most Texas deer hunting requires private land access — public hunting is very limited
  • →Feral hog hunting in Texas has virtually no restrictions — excellent year-round bowhunting
  • →Hill Country exotics (axis, fallow, blackbuck) provide unique year-round bowhunting
  • →South Texas brush country produces some of the largest-framed whitetails in North America

🏛️ Official Wildlife Agency & Sources

Hunting seasons, tag quotas, and bag limits are established by state wildlife agencies and change annually. For official regulations, proclamations, and license purchases, consult:

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)

Official State Wildlife Agency

Status: 2026 Season Guide

Visit Official Agency ↗
⚠️ Regulation Disclaimer: Hunting regulations change annually. Always verify current season dates, bag limits, and equipment requirements with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) before hunting. This information is for planning purposes only.

Texas Bowhunting FAQ

How do I find public hunting land in Texas?

Public hunting in Texas is challenging but possible. The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) manages WMAs requiring annual hunting permits. The Davy Crockett and Sabine National Forests offer walk-in hunting. The TPWD's Public Hunting Program includes Annual Public Hunting Permits ($48/resident) providing access to 1 million+ acres of leased lands. Texas also has a limited Walk-In Hunting program in select areas.